Teacher Andrew Lindo killed his partner in a ‘protracted and brutal attack’ before putting her body in a suitcase and going to pick up his lover, a court has heard.

Andrew Lindo is charged with the murder of Marie Stewart, whose body was found in a suitcase (Picture: Ross Parry)

Lindo was an âaccomplished liarâ who was leading a double life when he killed Marie Stewart at the home they shared with their two children, it is alleged.

Lindo is accused of strangling the 30-year-old last December before wrapping her in a duvet and trying to put her into a suitcase.

But when Miss Stewart was heard to make noises Lindo hit her with a chair and put a belt round her neck before finally covering her head in bubblewrap and cutting her throat, the jury was told.

The 28-year-old then put her body in a flight bag at the back of the garage and covered it with carpet.

Lindo, who spent the following day with lover Angela Rylance, allegedly told relatives that Miss Stewart had eloped abroad with another man and used her mobile phone and Facebook to support his story. He was arrested after his victimâs family grew suspicious.

Lindo claims he suffered âprotracted emotional and physical abuseâ from Miss Stewart and said he had to kill her to protect their daughter. But he was said to be âuntruthful and manipulativeâ while having a string of affairs with âhapless womenâ.